Wedge-operated brake apparatus

Abstract

A wedge-operated brake apparatus includes a piston for generating a braking force when axially driven, an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input, and a wedge transmission mechanism for converting the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston. The brake-actuating output is transmitted to the piston so as to drive the piston to thereby generate a braking force. The wedge transmission mechanism includes a first plate member which moves together with the piston, a second plate member disposed in opposition to the first plate member and fixedly secured to a housing, a wedge member disposed between the first and second plate members and engaging respective engaging surfaces of the first and second plate members via rollers, and a holder for rotatably holding the rollers and holding the wedge member while allowing linear movement of the wedge member. When the wedge member moves linearly, the holder moves, while being guided by the first and second plate members.

1. A wedge-operated brake apparatus comprising:
 a piston accommodated within a cylinder portion to be slidable along an axial direction of the piston, the piston generating a braking force when axially driven;  
 an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input; and  
 a wedge transmission mechanism which is connected to the actuator so as to be driven thereby and to convert the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston, the brake-actuating output being transmitted to the piston so as to drive the piston,  
 wherein the wedge transmission mechanism includes  
 a first plate member which moves together with the piston,  
 a second plate member disposed in opposition to the first plate member and fixedly secured to a housing,  
 a wedge member disposed between the first and second plate members and engaging respective engaging surfaces of the first and second plate members via rollers, and  
 a holder for rotatably holding the rollers and holding the wedge member while allowing linear movement of the wedge member, the holder being able to move, while being guided by the first and second plate members, when the wedge member moves linearly;  
 wherein the linear brake-actuating input generated upon operation of the actuator acts on the wedge member as a pulling force,  
 wherein the holder comprises:  
 a pair of plates which constrains the wedge member, the first plate member and the second plate member in the axial direction of the roller, and  
 plural connecting pillars which integrally connect the pair of plates.